JOLIET, IL – Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow announced today that the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) has earned reaccreditation by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), following an extensive application and site review process. The NCA is the accrediting agency for CACs throughout the country. Accreditation is the highest level that can be awarded, and is based on a CAC’s compliance with 10 national standards of accreditation to ensure effective, efficient, and consistent delivery of services to child abuse victims.
“I established the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center over 25 years ago to enable police and prosecutors to put dangerous predators behind bars while providing young victims of child abuse and their families with hope, healing, and justice,” Glasgow said. “The Will County CAC has become a model for others because, as this award of reaccreditation reaffirms, we set a standard of excellence from day one. Children are our most precious resource, and the abused children we see every day deserve every opportunity to be heard, protected, and helped.”
Since Glasgow established the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995, thousands of children who have endured severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence have been served by the CAC’s child-sensitive forensic interview, advocacy, and trauma therapy programs.
“This reaccreditation validates our demonstrated commitment to providing comprehensive, coordinated, and compassionate services to victims of child abuse,” said Will County CAC Executive Director Lisa Morel Las. “It is particularly gratifying that the National Children’s Alliance recognized our committed team and the leadership provided by State’s Attorney Glasgow. Our team truly cares about every child who walks through our doors.”
As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers throughout the country, the National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership. Once accredited, a CAC must undergo a reaccreditation process every five years to ensure that evidence-based practices are being implemented and the highest quality of service is being provided.
“Our goal is to ensure that every victim of child abuse has access to high quality services that result from professional collaboration,” said NCA Executive Director Teresa Huizar. “The Will County CAC is to be commended for its continued commitment to effectively serve victims of child abuse.”
More information about the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is available at www.willcountycac.org.
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